MLS Week 10 Power Rankings: Sounders jump 3 spots to top

It's starting to get crowded at the top of the table as teams get busier.
More and more midweek games are coming on the Major League Soccer schedule, as most teams have had to play two games in a week already, or they will soon. Domestic cup competitions will soon be in play too, so teams will have to look to their benches to get results as the middle third of the season approaches.
This league is nothing if not entertaining, and it's about to get really interesting.

Seattle Sounders FC
(6-1-1, 19 points)

Associated Press

Last week: 4

Seattle did what Los Angeles failed to do, and that’s get a result with a depleted starting 11 on the field. After beating the Galaxy in midweek, the Sounders grinded out a boring 1-0 win over Philadelphia on Saturday.

Stoppage-time victories such as Saturday’s at Chivas should give Chicago confidence going forward. The Fire has still played only seven games, the second-fewest in the league, and it’s still in fourth place in the East.

A cross-country road trip provided two games in which the favorites won both times. Luckily for D.C., it was the favorite in Toronto, and United shut out the struggling Reds, 2-0.

This week: at Houston, Saturday at 2:30 p.m. (NBC Sports Network).

Los Angeles Galaxy
(3-5-1, 10 points)

Associated Press

Last week: 8

After putting out a weak lineup in Seattle, coach Bruce Arena needed his team to beat New York on Saturday to save some face. It didn’t, and he doesn’t look too bright now.

This week: at Montreal, Saturday at 2 p.m.

Chivas USA
(3-6-0, 9 points)

Associated Press

Last week: 11

A stoppage-time goal took two points away from Chivas against the Chicago Fire. To be in playoff contention, the Goats have to find a way to close out those games — or preferably, win them, especially at home.

This week: at San Jose, Sunday at 5 p.m. (Galavision).

Colorado Rapids
(4-5-0, 12 points)

Associated Press

Last week: 12

Taking three points from two road games in one week is never a bad feat. The Rapids now get a much-needed rest after a tough travel week.

This week: No games.

Houston Dynamo
(2-2-2, 8 points)

Associated Press

Last week: 13

After a grueling start, Houston finally ends its seven-game road stretch this week. BBVA Compass Stadium opens to a national television audience this weekend.

It’s strange to say, but Montreal seems to have found somewhat of a rhythm, taking seven points from its last three games. A win against Los Angeles would really be something.

This week: vs. Los Angeles, Saturday at 2 p.m.

Portland Timbers
(2-5-2, 8 points)

Associated Press

Last week: 14

It’s starting to get desperate in Portland. Other than shocking Sporting Kansas City on an own goal, the Timbers haven’t won since March.

This week: No games.

Philadelphia Union
(2-5-1, 7 points)

Associated Press

Last week: 15

Even against a depleted Seattle starting lineup, the Union couldn’t get anything going offensively. Freddy Adu barely touched the ball in Philadelphia’s 1-0 loss in the Emerald City.

This week: vs. New York, Sunday at 10:30 a.m. (ESPN2).

New England Revolution
(3-6-0, 9 points)

Associated Press

Last week: 18

The Revs were close to taking six points from a difficult week, but Real Salt Lake squeaked out a win. They pulled out a good win against Colorado, though, coming back from a 1-0 deficit to take the game 2-1.

This week: vs. Vancouver, Saturday at 5:30 p.m.

Columbus Crew
(2-4-2, 8 points)

Associated Press

Last week: 17

To get off the foot of the rankings, Columbus needed to do better than tie struggling Portland. The Crew created a lot of chances, but they got nothing to show for it.

This week: vs. Dallas, Saturday at 5:30 p.m.

Toronto FC
(0-8-0, 0 points)

Associated Press

Last week: 19

Well, it’s finally official. Toronto FC is the worst team to begin an MLS season, failing to take any points from its first eight games.